Madrid, Apr 22 (IANS): Real Madrid took a huge step towards winning the Spainsh Primera Liga title as they defeated defending champions FC Barcelona 2-1 in the Camp Nou Stadium.

Sami Khedira and Cristiano Ronaldo scored Madrid's goals in a game they deserved to win with a fine display of pressing football and pace on the break, Xinhua reported.

Alexis Sanchez scored a goal which momentarily gave Barca hope, but with Madrid leading by seven points with four matches left to play, it would take a disaster to stop Madrid claiming the title.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho Saturday kept faith with the side that was narrowly beaten away to Bayern Munich Tuesday in Champions League while Barca made changes with Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas rested and Thiago Alcantara and Cristian Tello brought in.

Mourinho's side pressured Barca high up the field, looking to force errors in distribution and stopped Barca's midfield getting control of the ball.

Ronaldo saw a header brilliantly tipped over by Barca keeper Victor Valdes after four minutes, while Karim Benzema had an effort also saved by the Barca keeper. In reply Dani Alves saw Iker Casillas come quickly off his line to make a brave save.